Elementary Library Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

*Overview*
The Media Specialist at Odyssey Charter School, Inc. plays a key role in collaborating with school leadership and other media specialists to enhance the school's media services.
This position requires a strong passion for literature, both classic and contemporary, along with a solid understanding of community engagement strategies and current educational legislation.
The Media Specialist ensures that all resources align with the school’s state-adopted K-12 curriculum, constantly improving the curation process to meet the needs of both students and teachers. The Media Specialist is committed to selecting high-quality literature that meets rigorous standards and caters to the diverse needs and interests of its students. The Media Specialist provides essential resources and services that support both the individual and instructional needs of students. The Media Specialist promotes an environment that encourages inquiry, creativity, exploration, and communication.
The Media Specialist is responsible for designing the media center to maximize the use of the space and functionality for students; selecting and ordering furniture, equipment, hardware, software, books, and other library resources; organizing books and all other media resources; managing budgets; responding to inquiries from teachers, students, and community members, and collaborating with teachers and school leaders to discuss strategies and best practices for optimizing the media center's effectiveness.
*About Our Schools*
Founded in 1999, Odyssey Charter School (K–12) and Odyssey Preparatory Academy (K–5) are *Cognia-accredited public charter schools* serving approximately *2,400 students from Preschool through Grade 12* across two campuses on Florida’s Space Coast. We are looking for exceptional teachers that want to support our mission in nurturing healthy, well-educated children.
*Responsibilities:*
* Fosters and promotes the school’s mission, vision, and philosophy
* Facilitates the development, implementation, and communication of a shared vision of learning that reflects excellence for all students, regardless of background or ability
* Works collaboratively with school leaders to identify school library goals
* Works collaboratively with teachers and school leaders to seek ways to promote teacher and student creativity in the classroom
* Provides expertise and coordination to lead the systematic process of selecting high-quality K-12 library books and supplementary materials
* Curates a well-chosen collection of media for different levels of ability and interest
* Oversees the organization of books and other materials for easy accessibility by students and teachers
* Serves as a resource for faculty and administrators as they seek additional resources to support instruction within daily lessons
* Designs, organizes, and manages a media center that provides an optimal space for students and staff to read, conduct research, and access high quality literature and other print and non-print reading materials
* Plans media program activities that are integrated with other programs and needs of the school
* Provides instructional or consultative services to teachers as needed for teaching media/reference skills or selection of media support materials for an integrated curriculum
* Recommends budgetary needs and responsible for the selection of new materials for the media center based on research, trends, and interdisciplinary curriculum needs
* Gathers information to provide effective evaluations of books, software, current and futuristic technology trends, and other related materials.
* Maintains inventory and maintenance records of all media materials
* Provides guidance in selection, location, utilization, and evaluation of materials to meet individual needs and interests of students and teachers
* Provides an open and stimulating student-oriented media center that encourages student involvement
* Provides for ongoing evaluation/modification of the library media program
* Uses appropriate techniques and strategies that promote and enhance critical, creative, and evaluative thinking of students
* Complies with all federal, state, and school regulations, policies, and procedures
* Assist with fundraising efforts as requested by the principal
_*Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:*_
* Ability to design a high-quality school media center at both the elementary and secondary levels
* Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
* Proficient in the use of audio-visual materials and equipment
* Ability to set-up, maintain and catalogue a wide variety of print materials
* Computer literate with a working knowledge of a variety of computer software
* Ability to select appropriate level materials for instructional and recreational purposes
* Knowledge of the library curation process and ability to implement effectively
* Effective use of time management and organizational systems
* Performs other duties as assigned by the school principal
_*Qualifications:*_
* Master's degree in education or other field
* Certified by the state of Florida as an Educational Media Specialist
* Minimum of three years relevant experience (5+ years preferred)
* Proficiency in software or technology platforms used at the schools
_*Physical Requirements:*_
* Requires prolonged sitting or standing
* Requires working in both a library environment and in classrooms
* Occasionally requires physical exertion to manually move, lift, carry, pull, or push objects or materials
* Occasional stooping, bending, and reaching
* Hearing and visual acuity at normal levels
*Compensation & Benefits*
* Salary range: *$51,000–$68,000*
* Medical insurance (85% employer-paid); dental and vision options available
* 401(k) with 5% employer match
* Life insurance, short-term disability, and Employee Assistance Program
* Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
* Paid time off
* Tuition reimbursement and professional development
* Mentoring and leadership opportunities
All OCS, Inc. employees must have a Level II background screening in accordance with the “Jessica Lundsford Act”, and any applicable laws. Florida law requires a screening through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse. For more information on the Clearinghouse, please visit their website at Upon hiring, employees will be provided with information and instructions to complete their background screening through the Clearinghouse.
Odyssey Charter School, Inc. shall, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity, or in any employment conditions or practices conducted by this School, except as provided by law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $52,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* 401(k)
* 401(k) matching
* Dental insurance
* Employee assistance program
* Health insurance
* Health savings account
* Life insurance
* Paid time off
* Professional development assistance
* Retirement plan
* Tuition reimbursement
* Vision insurance
Education:
* Master's (Required)
Ability to Commute:
* Palm Bay, FL 32909 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
* Palm Bay, FL 32909: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person